Courtesy of Irene P.
Name: Irene P.
Position: Executive Housekeeper
Location: The St. Regis Venice
Dream destination: Mexico!
Drink or treat of choice: A great Italian or Spanish red wine!
There’s a bit of an explorer in everyone at Marriott. Even if you’re not a travel buff, as a Marriott associate you get a taste of different cultures just by talking with associates and guests from all over the world on any given day. That and a curiosity for knowing the world is what drove Irene, an Executive Housekeeper at The St. Regis Venice, to leave her native Spain six years ago and pursue an international hospitality career with Marriott.
Like many Marriott explorers at heart, Irene’s journey started with Marriott’s Voyage Program. “The moment I got admitted was the proudest of my career so far!” says Irene, who was placed at The Ritz Carlton, Doha in Qatar.
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Upon finishing Voyage, Irene landed a role as Assistant Club Lounge Manager at the same hotel in Qatar. She then transferred to the Hotel Arts Barcelona as an Assistant Director of Guest Services. Only eight months later, she was promoted to Director of Penthouses.
“After that I moved to The St Regis Venice (my current property) as an Assistant Executive Housekeeper, and last June I became Executive Housekeeper.”
Courtesy of Irene P.
Just six years after beginning her Marriott journey, she now oversees an 80-person housekeeping departments including the maids, valets, bellman, housekeeping supervisors, housekeeping manager and the laundry team.
Learn more about her multinational journey in her own words below.
What does a good day at work look like for you?
Starting with the house briefing and line up in the morning, making sure we start full of energy! Then, I like to go around the hotel and see all hosts from other departments, see the guests enjoying the terrace, the outlets, the lobby, etc.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The opportunity I have every day to create unique experiences for our guests, but also the connections we make with all the hosts.
What was your Marriott interview process like and any tips for someone who might be interested in a role like yours?
My Marriott interview process has always been very organized, clear and effective. My tip is to be passionate and to genuinely transmit your ideas and thoughts.
Describe a moment you felt supported at Marriott.
During Covid I felt supported by my leaders and co-workers, always being positive and trying to make the best of the situation.
How would you describe Marriott’s culture?
Innovative, unique and adaptable to each one of its brands.
Favorite part of working at Marriott?
My colleagues and leaders and their vision and philosophy of life. And the opportunity to get to know new people from all around the world every single day.
How has Marriott supported your family?
By believing in me and giving me the opportunity to grow in my professional career.
How has Marriott provided you with the training and support you need to grow your career?
Through all the great leaders I encountered during my career. They are the ones I will always be grateful to for believing in me, teaching and supporting me, and continuously challenging me to become better every day.
Courtesy of Irene P.
When have you felt like a part of a community at Marriott?
Every time I walk inside the hotel! The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis have the Marriott culture very present in the daily operations and there is always a moment of connection between all the associates, in which we share our goals for the day, and we all work together to accomplish one mission: to make our guests happy and emotionally engaged.
What is the most exciting part of working at a company like Marriott?
The opportunity to travel around the world and to meet new and exciting people with different backgrounds than my own.
What are the perks, benefits and resources available to you at Marriott?
The benefit of having discounted rates all around the world for me and my family and friends is really awesome! Also, all the trainings available on our internal platforms. That is always a great source to increase my knowledge and continue learning things not only from my department, but from many others.
How have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?
Many times! When I traveled to France, Qatar, UAE, Spain, Italy… There is always a good deal awaiting!
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